>I have recently finished a renovation project and have quite a few scrap>pieces of sheetrock left over. Has anyone used these for art projects?

I don't know about carving. The dust can't be healthy. But, sheetrock can
be scored with a knife, then folded without breaking the paper on the
unscored side. Cubic, rectilinear scultural forms can be constructed. Think
about those intelligence tests that have unfolded boxes that have to be
reconstructed in the mind. Unfold some cartons and boxes to introduce
yourself and students to the concept. The possibilities are intriguing.